2003 Daihatsu Charade vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Daihatsu Charade is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. (57 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 415 kg more than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. (90 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. 2003 Daihatsu Charade has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Daihatsu Charade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Daihatsu Charade | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charade | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 989 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 745 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2520 mm |
